Non-league: Dawley Town beat league leaders on emotional afternoon

Dawley Town stunned league leaders Sandbach United on an emotional afternoon.

Ross Jones’ double, coupled with some big saves from goalkeeper Ryan Asson, earned Dawley a 3-1 victory on a day the club paid tribute to supporter Jack Evans, who died recently aged just 34.

A wreath was laid on the centre circle before kick-off, while there was also a minute’s silence ahead of the North West Counties Division One South match with Evans’ four children in attendance.

“It was all about making the day about Jack and his family,” explained joint boss Tom White.

“Football comes second in situations like this. We sort of said to the boys, we can’t lose this game. We need to do this for everyone who was here supporting us and for Jack’s family and his children.”

Telford Town remain rooted in the bottom three after going down 3-1 at Stafford Town.

A second half goal from Logan Wittaker at least provided some cheer on another tough afternoon.

There was no such consolation for Shawbury United, who were thumped 5-0 at Eccleshall.

Allscott Heath also had a tough day, losing 4-0 at Wolves Casuals, while Market Drayton Town were beaten 2-0 by Crewe, Walker Stone scoring both goals for the visitors.

The damage might have been greater were it not for the work of goalkeeper Shaun Rowley, who was awarded the man-of-the-match prize after making several important saves.

Struggling Shifnal Town had another afternoon to forget as they were thumped 4-0 at home by Mossley.

Ben Kershaw struck a first half hat-trick for the visitors at the Acoustafoam Stadium, while Charlie Frost was also on the mark as the hosts suffered a fifth straight defeat in the Northern Premier League West Division.

Shifnal, next in action when they visit Prescot Cables on Saturday, have conceded 17 goals during their losing streak.

AFC Bridgnorth’s FA Vase dreams are over after they were knocked out in the second round by Desborough Town.

Second half goals from Iain Blaikie and Kyle Little earned the visitors the victory.

Ludlow Town are also out of the competition, after losing 2-1 at Gresley Rovers.

Ollie Holden scored a stunning free-kick to help Whitchurch Alport continue their strong run in the Midland League Premier.

Holden, who had netted from the spot to put his side 2-0 up early after Cole Griffin had opened the scoring, struck from 30 yards out in the second half to seal the victory.

“There were a few on the bench saying, he is not going to shoot from there,” said assistant boss Pete Richardson.

“I thought he was going to have a go and what a goal it was,

“The first 15 minutes I thought the lads were fantastic. We played some great football.

“Then we went away from doing the basics and the performance levels went away a bit.

“We addressed that at half-time and it was important to come out and get that third goal.

“It was pretty but the lads showed resilience and character to keep the winning train rolling.”